Operation Knob With Distant Transmitting Unit for Touch Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional operation knobs for on-board devices, such as car audio and navigation systems, suffer from degraded operability and durability due to repeated contact with touch panels, leading to panel damage and wear, as well as dust accumulation, which affects the knob's ability to function effectively.
Innovation Solution
An operation knob design that includes a transmitting unit to relay operations from a position distant from the touch panel surface, preventing direct contact and wear, and is attachable to the panel to enhance durability and visibility, particularly through the use of light guiding units for improved usability in low-light environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotary operator is disposed on a touch panel to improve volume adjustment operability, then the operability is improved, but the touch panel surface is subjected to wear and damage from repeated contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotary operator as an intermediary component between the user's finger and the touch panel surface. The rotary operator includes a rotating member that contacts the user's finger and transmits rotational motion through a transmission mechanism to a drive shaft, which then interacts with the touch panel's detection layer. This intermediary structure allows volume adjustment operations to be performed without direct finger contact with the touch panel surface, thereby improving both operability and panel durability.
2Productivity
If the operation knob is positioned close to the touch panel surface for direct operation, then the operation response is fast, but dust accumulates and affects functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the rotary operator and its rotating member in a spatial dimension above the touch panel surface rather than directly on it. The rotating member is arranged at a height that allows rotational operation while maintaining a gap between the operation interface and the panel surface. This dimensional separation enables dust to not accumulate in the operation area while still allowing fast rotational response, as the rotating member can be operated freely in its designated spatial zone.
3Illumination intensity
If the operation knob is made visible on the touch panel surface, then visibility is improved, but the knob structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a light guide member within the rotary operator structure that utilizes optical properties to enhance visibility. The light guide member can change its optical characteristics, such as emitting light or reflecting light differently, to make the rotary operator visible on the touch panel surface. This optical enhancement method improves visibility without requiring complex mechanical or structural modifications to the knob itself, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while achieving the desired visual effect.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation knob attachable onto a touch functional display panel includes an operation unit and a transmitting unit. The transmitting unit transmits, to the touch functional display panel, an operation performed to the operation unit at a position distant from a surface of the touch functional display panel.